Varnum attorneys receive kudos

Each year, The Best Lawyers in America recognizes a “Lawyer of the Year” for each of the legal practice areas for which it rates attorneys. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year.”

For 2019, eight Varnum attorneys have been recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" in their respective areas of practice, including two from Ann Arbor: David K. McLeod: Banking and Finance Law, Ann Arbor; and Christopher A. Ballard: Trusts and Estates, Ann Arbor.

A graduate of the University of Michigan and the U-M Law School, Ballard is a partner in the firm, and focuses his practice on estate planning, trust administration, nonprofit organizations, taxation and business planning. He counsels clients on wealth management matters including estate and inheritance tax issues and probate administration. As part of his tax practice, he counsels clients on fiduciary, international and partnership tax matters.

McLeod also is an MLaw alumnus, and holds a bachelors degree from Michigan State University. Prior to pursuing higher education, he served a four-year term in the United States Air Force.